Golf Ball Incorporating Alignment Indicia

ABSTRACT

A golf ball has an outer surface covered by a chameleon material. The chameleon material produces a variable alignment device that appears to a viewer in the same location regardless of the viewer&#39;s position relative to the ball. This variable alignment device allows the user to properly align a shot without moving the ball to align an imprint with a desired path of travel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/577,493, entitled “Golf BallIncorporating Alignment Indicia”, and filed on Dec. 19, 2011, whichapplication is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present embodiments relates generally to a golf ball incorporatingindicia to assist a golfer in aligning a shot. More specifically, thepresent embodiments relate to a golf ball that includes a paint layerthat provides an alignment indicia that moves relative to the balldepending on the perspective of a viewer.

BACKGROUND

Among the challenges in playing golf is properly striking a ball so thatit travels in the desired direction. The direction a golf ball travelsmay depend on a number of factors. Among these may be, for example, windspeed and direction, the slope of the course, obstacles on the course,the ball and club used, and the position of the golfer in making theshot. While it is difficult to control all the variables in the golfshot, the equipment used and the position of the golfer are mostcontrollable by the golfer.

In some instances, golfers use the equipment to assist in positioningtheir bodies relative to a ball in order to hit a ball in the correctdirection. Often, balls include various indicia that allow the ball tobe positioned directionally. A golfer is allowed to position a ball toalign the indicia the way the golfer wishes when the golfer places theball on the tee. The golfer may also pick up and reposition a ball onthe green.

When a golfer uses the indicia on the ball on the putting surface, it isunusual to direct the indicia directly at the hole. Instead, the golfermust “read” the green and determine an intermediate point the ballshould be hit towards in order for it to go in the hole. When the golferreads the green, he or she often must read the green from a positionother than adjacent the ball. The golfer must then remember theintermediate position and then position the ball to be directed towardsthe intermediate position.

Particularly for a newer golfer, inexperience can lead to forgetting anintermediate position soon after determining its position. The time ittakes for a golfer to properly place and align the ball can be enoughtime for the golfer to forget or misremember the intermediate position.The longer it takes to place the ball, the greater the probability thatthe golfer will mistake the intermediate position and miss the hole.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a ball that minimizes thetime necessary to properly position the ball and properly align thegolfer with the ball to create the proper stroke. It is also desirableto provide a ball that allows a golfer to have an appropriate alignmentguide even when the golfer cannot re-orient the ball prior to taking ashot.

SUMMARY

The printing on a golf ball with designs, trademarks, and/or names ofthe golf ball are printed on a single line to be used as an alignmentguide. The line of printing often includes arrows at the ends of theline to enhance the use of the line of printing as an alignment guide.However, a golfer is not able to shift the position of the ball and staywithin the rules of golf. The disclosed device is a golf ball where thesurface of the golf ball includes inks, paints, or dyes which appearsolid and legible when viewed at a first angle while appearing to moveor dissipate when viewed at a second angle. These guides may have a moreephemeral appearance than traditional printing. These guides are visiblein the correct alignment position regardless of the orientation of theball on the ground or with respect to the golfer. The apparentchangeability of the alignment guide appearance or position is due tothe shape and orientation of particles within an ink used to color orcoat the surface of the golf ball. When viewed from different angles,the particles reflect ambient light to produce an image. This image isthe alignment guide.

In one embodiment, a golf ball includes an outer surface and analignment device that is capable of changing apparent location. Thealignment device may be formed of an ink that has particles of aspecified shape. The alignment device may be parallel or perpendicularto a desired path of travel.

In another embodiment, a golf ball includes an outer surface and acolorant on the outer surface forming an alignment device that iscapable of appearing to be positioned in different locations. Thecolorant may be formed of an ink that has particles of a specifiedshape. The alignment device may be parallel or perpendicular to adesired path of travel.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the invention, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a standard white ball;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a ball with a first embodiment of a variablealignment aid;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a ball with another embodiment of a variablealignment aid;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a ball with another embodiment of a variablealignment aid; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of a ball with another embodiment of a variablealignment aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments are for a various possible versions of a golfball that include indicia that appears to move on a ball depending onthe position of a viewer. Such a ball may be used by a golfer to assistin aligning his or her body and club with the ball to strike the balland produce a desired golf shot.

FIG. 1 shows a ball 10 that is typically used in golf. Ball 10 includesouter surface 12. Outer surface 12 can include dimples 14 and lands 16.Ball 10 can include other elements. Ball 10 may have a two piece ball ora multi-piece ball construction interior to outer surface 12. Ball 10may include other optional internal layers, such as an optional mantlelayer. Ball 10 may have a cover and outer surface made of any desirablematerial, such as ionomers like SURLYN® or other thermoplastic materialslike thermoplastic polyurethane. Ball 10 may include a core made fromany known materials, including but not limited to formulations includingany or all of ionomers, urethanes, polybutadiene rubber, highlyneutralized polymers, and fillers. Ball 10 can have various dimpleshapes and patterns as desired by a designer or golfer. Ball 10 may haveany of a variety of elements that may be included in other golf balls.While certain exemplary materials and shapes are shown or disclosedherein, these materials and shapes are shown by way of example and donot represent an exhaustive list. These qualities may be included in anyof the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a ball 20 that includes outer surface 22. Outer surface 22shows variable alignment device 24. Variable alignment device 24 isvisible to the golfer in various locations on ball 20. Variablealignment device 24 is formed by a colorant on outer surface 22 of ball20. The colorant is an ink, pigment, or dye, all of which are referredto herein as “ink” for simplicity and not to limit the interpretation ofthat term, and the ink has particles of color having a specified shapesuspended in an ink medium, such as a solvent or water. The ink mediummay have color or may be transparent or translucent. The ink medium mayalso carry other colorant particles which do not have the specifiedshape. In some embodiments, the ink medium may be any conventional topcoat material.

The specified shape of the ink particle allows the appearance of the inkto change depending on the viewing angle. Much like a hologram, the inkparticles, when a threshold percentage of the particles are aligned ororiented similarly within the ink medium so that, when viewed fromdifferent angles, the particles reflect ambient light to produce animage. This image is the alignment guide. In some embodiments, thespecified shape of the ink particles may be needle or needlelike inshape. In some embodiments, the specified shape of the ink particles maybe x-shaped or criss-cross shaped. In some embodiments, the specifiedshape of the ink particles may be tetrapods.

In some embodiments, the ink particles may be reflective particles in anotherwise conventional sparkle coat. The reflective particles may havethe specified shape in addition to reflectivity and/or color. Thereflective particles may be made of any reflective material, includingbut not limited to Mylar®, mica, clay, and metal or metal-coatedmaterials. The reflectivity may enhance the ability of the particles toreflect the ambient light to form a clearer or stronger image.

The shape of the specified shape ink particles may cause the particlesto self-align within the ink medium before the ink medium dries or cureson the surface of the golf ball. For example, tetrapod particles, suchas Panatetra® particles available from Panasonic, tend to settle on asurface so that three of the legs are touching the surface so that thefourth leg of the tetrapod extends away from the surface orthogonally.Similarly, needle-shaped and x-shaped particles may tend to align on asurface. While not wishing to be bound by any theory, this alignmenteffect may arise when the particles are sprayed onto the surface in anink medium having a viscosity low enough to allow for easy movement ofthe particles within the ink medium. The shear forces generated with thesprayed ink hits the surface of the golf ball may cause the inkparticles to assume a similar orientation. The shear forces may befurther enhanced if the golf ball is spinning while being sprayed.Further, this alignment effect may be enhanced if the thickness or depthof the ink medium is relatively low, such as thinner than the long axisof the needle-shaped particle. Such a thickness, and the surface tensionof the ink medium, may encourage the particles to align within the inkmedium.

This alignment effect may also be enhanced with manufacturingtechniques. For example, the nozzle of a sprayer that expels the inkmedium and ink particles may include an opening or portion of the tubingor channel that fluidly connects the reservoir to the nozzle that isshaped to orient the particles. This opening or portion of tubing orchannel may have a narrow shape that only permits the passagetherethrough of ink particles in the correct orientation. In someembodiments, the opening or portion of tubing or channel may includeprojections, such as fingers or whiskers, that re-orient the particlesmoving past the projections if the particles are out of the desiredalignment.

In embodiments where metal or metal-coated particles are provided, theparticles may be oriented within the ink medium using a magnetic field.Magnets or electrified coils that generate a magnetic field may bepositioned proximate the tubing or channel through which the ink mediumand ink particles are moving towards the nozzle. As the particles movethrough the magnetic field, the particles will align with the poles ofthe magnetic field.

In embodiments with either self-aligning ink particles or ink particlesthat are influenced externally in the alignment during manufacturing,the alignment effect may be enhanced by providing asymmetric particles.The uneven distribution of the weight of the particle due to theasymmetry, such as needle-like particles with a slightly wider orbulbous end, may result in or induce a moment to the ink particle thatencourages the ink particles to assume a particular orientation withinthe liquid ink medium. It is believed that if 25% or more of theparticles share an orientation, the image of the alignment guide willappear, though the image will be stronger when a higher percentage ofthe particles share an orientation. It is believed that throughself-alignment and external alignment of the particles, at least 25% ofthe particles will share an orientation, though this number may besignificantly greater.

The ink used to create this visual effect may be referred to in someinstances as a chameleon material. The chameleon material may be appliedto outer surface 22 of ball 20. When the chameleon material is appliedto outer surface 22, it produces a marking on outer surface 22 thatchanges location with the viewer. Regardless of the viewer's position,the marking appears to move along outer surface 22 and appears to remainin a consistent position on the ball regardless of the location of theviewer. For example, using a clock face as an example, a chameleonmaterial may be designed to allow a viewer to perceive a lightenedlinear area passing through the 3 and the 9 of the clock facesuperimposed on a ball when the golfer views the ball from onedirection. When the golfer looks at the ball from another direction andconsiders a clock face superimposed over the ball, the lightened areawould appear to pass through the respective 3 and 9 of the clock facefrom that angle as well. The chameleon material allows this variabilityin viewing the ball by the use of particularly shaped ink particles inthe chameleon material.

The use of such an ink produces a variability in the appearance of thealignment device. When a golfer looks at the ball, regardless of theangle, the variable alignment device appears in the same positionrelative to the golfer. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the ink used hasparticles shaped to create generally linear variable alignment device24.

In some cases, generally linear variable alignment device 24 may appearto be generally aligned with a left-right direction on the ball toproduce a variable alignment device that assists a golfer in showing thedirection the ball will travel when the golfer strikes the ball.Alternatively, generally linear variable alignment device 24 may appearto be generally aligned with a top-bottom direction on the ball toproduce an aid for showing the golfer the appropriate striking positionof a club to produce a direction of travel generally perpendicular tovariable alignment device 24 when the ball is struck.

A golfer can use linear variable alignment device 24 to assist thegolfer in preparing an appropriate golf shot. The golfer can read thegreen and determine an appropriate direction for the ball to be hit. Iflinear variable alignment device 24 is designed in a left-rightorientation, the golfer can stand over a ball and rotate relative to theball until the alignment device 24 points towards the point the golferwants to aim the ball. The golfer can then position his or her club atone end of the variable alignment device and strike the ball. If thegolfer has properly read the green and strikes the ball at the rightforce and position on the ball, the ball will travel towards the pointthe golfer desired and hopefully will end up in or near the hole.

If linear variable alignment device 24 is designed in an up-downorientation, the golfer can position the device perpendicular to thedesired line of travel and use alignment device 24 to properly positionthe club relative to the ball. The club, particularly a putter, and thevariable alignment device will be positioned parallel to one another ifthe golfer's body is positioned correctly.

Because the alignment device is variable based on position, the golferneed not move the ball to properly align it with the hole or anintermediate position. The golfer can rotate around the ball untilalignment device 24 points in the correct direction and then the golfercan set his or her body to strike the ball to travel in the desireddirection. This alignment device may be used for any shot from anylocation on the course. Such an alignment device may give a golfer avisual means to help account for wind or slope on a golf course inproperly aiming a golf shot.

FIG. 3 shows ball 30 that includes outer surface 32. Outer surface 32shows variable alignment device 34. Variable alignment device 34 isvisible to the golfer in various locations on ball 30. Variablealignment device 34 is formed by a colorant on outer surface 32 of ball30.

Variable alignment device 34 may be generally x-shaped and may includetwo arms. First arm 36 and second arm 38 may be generally linear and maybe positioned generally perpendicular to one another. Variable alignment34 may be formed by ink having particles having a specified shape. Theuse of a first linear arm 36 and a second linear arm 38 may be desirablebecause it can allow a golfer to properly align the ball with thedesired path of travel and to properly align the club with the ball tostrike the ball squarely as described above.

FIG. 4 shows ball 40 that includes outer surface 42. Outer surface 42shows variable alignment device 44. Variable alignment device 44 isvisible to the golfer in various locations on ball 40. Variablealignment device 44 may be formed by a colorant on outer surface 42 ofball 40. The colorant used to create variable alignment device 44 sharesthe same qualities as discussed above with respect to variable alignmentdevice 24 on ball 20. Variable alignment 44 may be formed by ink havingparticles having a specified shape.

Variable alignment device 44 may have a generally teardrop shape.Variable alignment device 44 may include a generally linear portion 46and a generally rounded portion 48. The generally linear portion 46 maybe positioned in a generally left-right direction that appears as beinggenerally aligned with a desired path of travel for ball 40.Alternatively, generally linear portion 46 may be positioned in agenerally top-bottom direction that appears as being generallyperpendicular to a desired path of travel for ball 40.

FIG. 5 shows ball 50 that includes outer surface 52. Outer surface 52shows variable alignment device 54. Variable alignment device 54 isvisible to the golfer in various locations on ball 50. Variablealignment device 54 may be formed by a colorant on outer surface 52 ofball 50. The colorant used to create variable alignment device 54 sharesthe same qualities as discussed above with respect to variable alignmentdevice 24 on ball 20. Variable alignment 54 may be formed by ink havingparticles having a specified shape.

As shown in FIG. 5, variable alignment device 54 may be generallycircular. The circular variable alignment device 54 may include be usedinstead of a partially or completely linear alignment device. If acircular alignment device is used, it may be used simply as an aid tothe golfer in viewing the edges of the ball more clearly. The use of acircular alignment device may, for example, allow a golfer to perceivethe ball as being smaller than its actual diameter. Such an opticalillusion may allow the golfer to have greater confidence that he or shewill be able to properly strike the ball and have it reach the hole. Theperception of a smaller diameter may also allow the golfer to moreclearly see the proper line for the ball and may assist the golfer inmore clearly reading the green. In this manner, the circular shape ofthe alignment device may assist the golfer in properly striking theball, even if the alignment device does not provide any indication ofdirectionality for the stroke.

The variable alignment devices 24, 34, 44, 54 shown herein are shown inthe FIGS. as having muted, transitional boundaries. The alignmentdevices 24, 34, 44, 54 are shown as being white while the remainder ofthe respective outer surfaces 22, 32, 42, 52 of the respective balls 20,30, 40, 50 are shown as being colored, as represented by the shading. Aclear demarcation between the alignment device and the remainder of theouter surface is not necessary. Instead, the colorant applied to theball may be applied such that the alignment device is a lightened areasurrounded by an intermediate partially-colored region, furthersurrounded by a colored region as is shown in the FIGS. However, it isalso possible that an ink could be used that provides a more distinctboundary between the variable alignment device and the remainder of theouter surface. It is possible that the colorant may instead provide fora more or a less gradual transition area between the alignment deviceand the rest of the outer surface than that shown. The use of such acolorant and such alignment devices with a transition area are includedin the above description of alignment devices.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Any aspect of any embodiment herein may beinterchanged with, substituted into, or added to any other embodiment oraspect thereof described herein unless specifically limited.Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light ofthe attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modificationsand changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf ball, comprising: an outer surface; and analignment device that is configured to change appearance with a viewingangle so that the alignment device is capable of being used by a golferto align a shot regardless of an orientation of the ball.
 2. The golfball according to claim 1, wherein the alignment device is formed bycolorant on the outer surface of the ball.
 3. The golf ball according toclaim 2, wherein the colorant is an ink having particles with aspecified shape.
 4. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein at leasta portion of the alignment device appears generally linear.
 5. The golfball according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the alignmentdevice appears generally x-shaped.
 6. The golf ball of claim 1, whereinthe alignment device is capable of changing apparent location.
 7. Thegolf ball of claim 1, wherein the alignment device comprises a pigmentwhich produces an ephemeral shape.
 8. The golf ball according to claim1, wherein the alignment device includes a portion that appearspositioned generally aligned with a desired path of travel.
 9. The golfball according to claim 8, wherein the alignment device includes aportion that appears positioned generally perpendicular to a desiredpath of travel.
 10. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein thealignment device includes a portion that appears positioned generallyperpendicular to a desired path of travel.
 11. A golf ball, comprising:an outer surface; and a colorant on the outer surface forming analignment device, wherein the alignment device is capable of reflectinglight so that the alignment device appears to be positioned in differentlocations on the outer surface depending upon the orientation of theball.
 12. The golf ball according to claim 11, wherein the colorant isan ink having particles with a specified shape.
 13. The golf ballaccording to claim 11, wherein the specified shape of the particles isselected from the group consisting of needle-shaped, x-shaped, andtetrapod-shaped.
 14. The golf ball according to claim 11, wherein theparticles include a metal.
 15. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein thecolorant is capable of changing apparent location based upon a userviewing angle.
 16. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the alignmentdevice comprises a pigment which produces an ephemeral shape.
 17. Thegolf ball according to claim 11, wherein the alignment device includes aportion that appears positioned aligned with a desired path of travel.18. The golf ball according to claim 17, wherein the alignment deviceincludes a portion that appears positioned generally perpendicular to adesired path of travel.
 19. The golf ball according to claim 11, whereinthe alignment device includes a portion that appears positionedgenerally perpendicular to a desired path of travel.
 20. A golf ballcomprising an outer cover substantially covered by a chameleon material.